National Couscous Day

National Couscous Day is celebrated every year on August 5 to honor and enjoy the rich culinary tradition of couscous.

History of National Couscous Day

National Couscous Day began in 2020, when The Branded Food Group Limited established the celebration to elevate awareness of couscous as a tasty, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare alternative to staples like rice, pasta, and noodles. Though the holiday itself is quite new, couscous is ancient: its origins lie in North Africa, likely northern Algeria or Morocco, with evidence of preparation methods dating back many centuries. The grain appears in Moorish Spanish cookbooks as early as the 13th century, and was carried across the Mediterranean over the centuries.

In December 2020, the traditional knowledge and practices of couscous production and consumption were formally recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in a joint submission from Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Tunisia. This speechless honor underscored the centuries‑old cultural importance of couscous across the Maghreb.

Why is National Couscous Day important?

It’s not just about eating couscous once a year—it’s a celebration of culinary heritage and the shared food traditions of North Africa. When you prepare couscous, you’re connecting with stories of communities and families who have hand‑rolled semolina for generations, as a symbol of hospitality and abundance. It gently reminds us that many modern dishes have deep historical roots—even though couscous feels so simple today. I find that idea comforting—something humble yet enduring.

It’s also about inviting people to explore a versatile ingredient that’s deeply nourishing and adaptable. Couscous has a subtle flavor that works with so many combinations—vegetables, spices, legumes, meats—you name it. It quietly encourages creativity. Over time I’ve seen people cooking couscous in diverse ways, from cold salads with vibrant herbs to hearty stews, and it always amazes me how something so modest can feel both comforting and exciting.

Some of the reasons:

• it matters couscous carries stories of community and tradition
• it’s a wonderfully adaptable dish that fits many dietary preferences
• it’s quick, nourishing, and easy to prepare for daily meals
• it brings people together around shared meals, whether casual or festive
• it connects modern cooks to centuries‑old culinary practices

How to Celebrate National Couscous Day

You don’t need a big event to enjoy National Couscous Day. Even a small change in your regular meal plan can give the day some meaning. You might try cooking traditional North African couscous—with vegetables, chickpeas, spice—and enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen. Or simply stir some cooked couscous into a warm salad with olive oil, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the day.

If you’re feeling social, invite a friend or family member over and set up a casual couscous “bar”: keep bowls of toppings—roasted veggies, olives, nuts, yogurt—so everyone can build their own bowl. It’s relaxed, fun, and no-one needs to be a pro cook to feel part of it. Sharing recipes or photos using #NationalCouscousDay is another nice way to feel connected to others celebrating around the world.

• ideas you could tryмcook couscous with a warm stew of vegetables and spices
• make a cold couscous salad with herbs, beans, and lemon
• invite someone over for a simple couscous‑based meal
• share your couscous dish or recipe on social media
• set up a couscous bar with mix‑ins and toppings

Vegetable Couscous Recipe

We suggest you prepare a simple and delicious recipe for vegetable couscous – a light dish that takes only 15–20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 bell pepper
• ½ zucchini (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp turmeric or curry powder
• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro) for serving

Instructions:

1. Boil the water, add a pinch of salt, and pour it over the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5–7 minutes to absorb the water.
2. Meanwhile, chop the vegetables into small cubes. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent.
3. Add the carrot, then after 2–3 minutes add the bell pepper and zucchini. Season with salt, pepper, and turmeric or curry powder. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
4. Fluff the couscous with a fork and mix it into the vegetables. Stir everything together and warm for another minute.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

This makes a perfect side dish or a light vegetarian meal. You can easily adjust the vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

Bon appetit! Vegetable Couscous is a good choice for healthy eating. Choose the best for yourself every day!

National Couscous Day Dates Table